KALAMAZOO, MI — Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder will be a special guest at the Kalamazoo County Republican Party's annual Lincoln Tribute Dinner fundraiser Feb. 28, according to a press release issued by party chairman David Worthams.

Gov. Rick Snyder discusses the state budget during a live video chat with MLive.com reporters at the MLive Lansing hub in downtown Lansing, Mich. on Thursday, February 6, 2014. Snyder will attend the Kalamazoo County Republican Party's annual Lincoln Dinner fundraiser on Feb. 28.(Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

The 119th event will be held at Pine West Banquet & Catering, 2425 S. 11th St. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and Snyder is expected to arrive at 6 p.m.

"We are very happy to welcome Gov. Rick Snyder to Kalamazoo this year," Worthams said in the release. "Kalamazoo County has been a very important part in the reinvention of Michigan that the governor has created. To have him here to see what we've done first hand is very exciting."

While it had been apparent for months that the first-term governor was planning to run for re-election this fall, Snyder officially announced his intention to run again on Feb. 2.

"2014 is a year where we fully expect Gov. Snyder will win re-election, our candidates will be successful in the 20th state Senate district, in our state House districts and in the Kalamazoo County Commission races," Worthams said.

In addition to Snyder's visit, Worthams will present the party's Chairman Service Awards to former chairs Al Heilman and Polly Youngs.

"Al and Polly have been very important to the success the the KGOP has had in Kalamazoo," Worthams said. "I am personally very grateful to both of them for the valuable advice and their years of service to our party."

Tickets and sponsorships for the dinner are available through the KGOP website. Tickets can be purchased for $60 for individuals or $30 for students.

Alex Mitchell covers county government and taxes for the Kalamazoo Gazette. Email him at amitche5@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter.